How to Set Up Unattended Access in AnyDesk

Edited 3 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

AnyDeskunattended access

In the world of remote work and support, getting quick, consistent, and reliable access to computer systems is paramount. AnyDesk is a popular tool that allows users to easily connect to remote devices. One of the essential features of AnyDesk is “unattended access”. This feature allows a person to connect to a machine without having to get manual approval from the person using it on the other end. This feature is especially useful for IT support staff and individuals who regularly need to access their personal or work computers from different locations. This document explains in detail how you can set up unattended access in AnyDesk.

Understanding AnyDesk unattended access

Before we proceed with the steps to set up unattended access, it is important to understand what it involves. Unattended access means that a user can connect to a device even when there is no one to grant access from the other end. This means that a remote computer can be accessed anytime as long as it is turned on and connected to the internet. This feature is incredibly useful for various scenarios such as accessing files remotely, managing a home server, or performing maintenance operations on a client computer without requiring the presence of the user.

Benefits of unattended access

• Access from anywhere: You can connect to your computer and access files as if you were sitting right in front of it.
• Time savings: No need to wait for someone else to grant you access. You can connect instantly.
• Convenience: Ideal for IT support teams to maintain and support customers' systems at any time.
• Control: You have full control over security settings and who has access to the machine.

Steps to set up unattended access

1. Install AnyDesk

The first step is to make sure AnyDesk is installed on both devices: the one you'll use to access the other, and the one you want to access remotely.

Installing AnyDesk on Windows:

1. Download the AnyDesk installer from the official website.
2. Run the downloaded file to start the installation process.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Installing AnyDesk on macOS:

1. Open the downloaded AnyDesk .dmg file.
2. Drag the AnyDesk icon to your Applications folder.
3. Open AnyDesk from your Applications folder and follow the setup instructions.

2. Open AnyDesk and find your address

Once AnyDesk is installed, open the application. You will see a number labeled as "This desk" or "Your address" at the top of the AnyDesk window. This is your AnyDesk address, which is unique to your computer and allows others to connect to it.

3. Set password for unattended access

1. Go to the “Settings” tab in AnyDesk.
2. Select "Security" from the sidebar on the left.
3. Under the “Permissions” section, check the box that says “Enable unattended access.”
4. Once you check it, AnyDesk will prompt you to set a password.
5. Enter a strong password in the field provided. Make sure you create a password that is difficult for unauthorized users to guess but easy for you to remember.

Strong password example

A strong password should include a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. For example, P@ssw0rd2023! is a stronger password than just password.

4. Configure additional security settings

For enhanced security, you can configure additional settings based on your needs:

• Access Control List (ACL): You can create a whitelist or blacklist of AnyDesk addresses. Only addresses in the whitelist will be allowed access, or addresses in the blacklist will be denied access.
• User interface (UI) settings: You can configure AnyDesk to automatically minimize after a session start or end, or disable the address field if you don't need outgoing connections.

5. Testing unattended access

Once you've completed the setup, it's important to test the configuration to make sure it works as expected.

1. On the remote (host) computer, open AnyDesk and note the “This desk” or “Your address” number.
2. Go to another computer or smartphone that has AnyDesk installed.
3. Enter the AnyDesk address of the host computer in the "Remote Desk" field.
4. Click ‘Connect.’ Since you have set up unattended access, AnyDesk will ask you for the password you configured.
5. Enter the password and connect to the host computer.
6. Once connected, check if you can control the host computer as expected.

6. Troubleshooting common problems

If you encounter problems during setup or connection, consider the following common problems and solutions:

• Incorrect password: Make sure the password is entered correctly, remember that passwords are case-sensitive. Double check for typing errors.
• Network connectivity: Make sure both the remote and local devices have a stable internet connection. Unstable connection may lead to failure in establishing a session.
• Firewall or antivirus settings: Some security software may block AnyDesk. Check your firewall and antivirus settings to make sure AnyDesk has the necessary permissions.
• App permissions: For MacOS, make sure AnyDesk has the necessary permissions in “System Preferences” under “Security & Privacy.”

7. Best practices for security

Always follow best practices to protect your system when using unattended access:

• Keep software updated: Keep AnyDesk and your system software up to date, as updates often include important security patches.
• Use strong passwords: Avoid using simple or common passwords. Implement a password policy to change passwords regularly.
• Restrict access: Use AnyDesk's security settings to limit access to known devices using the address book and access control features.
• Two-factor authentication (2FA): If available, enable two-factor authentication for an additional layer of security.

Conclusion

Setting up unattended access with AnyDesk is a straightforward process that offers great benefits for remote management and support tasks. By following the steps outlined, you can ensure a secure and flexible setup that allows you to quickly access your machines from any location. With these capabilities, you can handle IT support, access operations, and personal tasks, ensuring operations continue smoothly without geographical constraints.

Make sure you follow security best practices to keep your device and data safe from unauthorized access. AnyDesk's flexible security settings provide ample options to tailor your remote access experiences to your specific needs and protect you from potential threats.

  Share This Article

If you find anything wrong with the article content, you can request an update